Test Your Knowledge: True or False? Orbitals

[UNknown 2010]

Homework Statement

True Or False ?
Unhybridised orbitals are symmetrical
Hybridised orbitals are asymmetrical

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[windwitch]

Try taking a look at simulations or artistics renditions of different orbitals. It may give you a good idea of whether hybridized/unhybridized orbitals have symmetry. I would also suggest looking at orbitals present in molecules that have various different elements in it, rather then diatomic elements. Also, do not look at the orbitals between two of the same elements, such as a C-C bond.

 

[Blueshift5]

True. Unhybridised orbitals, also known as atomic orbitals, are symmetrical because they are formed by the combination of s, p, d, and f orbitals, which have symmetrical shapes. On the other hand, hybridised orbitals are formed by the mixing of these atomic orbitals, resulting in a new orbital with a different shape and symmetry. These hybrid orbitals are often asymmetrical, as they are a combination of different atomic orbitals.